Australia

L'Australie va créer un registre national répertoriant les détenteurs étrangers de terre agricole australienne, a annoncé mardi la chef du gouvernement, alors qu'une partie du monde rural s'inquiète de la vente de terres, à des Chinois notamment.

The New South Wales Farmers Association, in Australia, has switched policies to back much tighter restrictions on foreign companies and investment funds buying Australian farmland.

Derek Byerlee, co-author of a recent World Bank report The Rising Global Interest in Farmland, says world is running out of productive land and foreign investor and corporate land sales are on the rise across the globe.

Hong Kong-listed Chevalier Group is set to emerge as a major supplier of fresh produce to Woolworths and Coles by acquiring a significant share of a leading Australian fruit and vegetable wholesaler and grower.

Former World Bank rural advisor Derek Byerlee to tell conference that fears of a foreign farm land grab in Australia are unfounded.

Richissime, le pays investit à tout-va à l’étranger : acquisition de terres agricoles en Australie pour s’assurer à terme une auto-suffisance alimentaire, construction de la plus haute tour de l’Union européenne à Londres, rachat du PSG…

In debate over large scale investments in agriculture in Australia, there are some broader issues about foreign investment that don’t seem to get talked about enough.

The sale of Cubbie Station to a Chinese-led consortium has divided Australia on the issue of foreign investment.

If there was any doubt that China is desperate for agricultural assets, it has been dispelled by the news that China Investment Corp with its $US190 billion war chest is on the hunt all the way down to chilly Tasmania in search of fresh milk.

China’s giant sovereign wealth fund is looking to make its first significant investment in the Australian dairy industry, as it tries to lock up food ­supplies for its growing middle class.

Laguna Bay Pastoral Company Crop Fund No. 8 is a relatively new player in Australia’s rural property game, backed by the Global Endowment Fund based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Colliers International estimates about A$4 billion is currently being raised for funds to invest in Australian agriculture, including PrimeAg’s raising of A$125 million in cash for a controversial unlisted A$250 million agriculture fund with Australia’s Future Fund.